Women's Commission Coordinator Steps Down

4 Businesses 
Will Receive 
County Loans 
Commissioners Ok $705,600 In Low-interest Loans Through Business Development 
Loan Program

Friday, January 21, 1994 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 





A salute to Ed Burns, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Plymouth's steady mayor &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mayor for 28 years. Married for 45 years. Worked at the same bank for 38 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 yearsClearly, Plymouth lost a rock when Mayor Ed Burns died on Wednesday,
for the man had more stability than do some Wyoming Valley geological
features. And we say that as a compliment, in a tone of utmost respect. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The story of Ed Burns is a classically American success story, like the
story of the tough GI's with whom he fought in World War II, like the story of
this nation's hard-working middle class with whom he rose after the war. It's
a story, not of genius or majesty or making history, but of serving one's
neighbors and winning their respect through through sheer pluck and bulldog
determination. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Born in Wilkes-Barre, Mr. Burns graduated from St. Vincent's High School in
Plymouth. He spent the rest of his life in the borough, not counting that
little fracas from '41 to '45 and the few years he spent getting a college
education. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 After emerging from the war and his schooling, Mr. Burns set his sights on
two deceptively simple goals: making a good life for his family, and making
his community a better place than it was before. Both goals have thrown lesser
men. But Ed Burns never looked back; like the tortoise in the fable, he just
kept walking along while the "hares" around him dropped out, exhausted. And
looking back now from the finish line, he clearly won the race. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Good friend, fine family man, proud banker and public servant -- that's Ed
Burns' story. As success stories go, it's one of the best. For the story's
moral is this: You may not be able to change the world in your lifetime, but
you can change your own town. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The lesson has deep meaning for all of us mere mortals, unlike the
rags-to-riches, one-in-a-million tales of skyrockets like Bill Clinton or
Michael Jordan. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 You see, Ed Burns was an American Everyman, and he showed how far every man
(and woman) in America can come if only they try. His family, his community
and his country have every reason to be proud.

A Salute To Ed Burns, Plymouth's Steady Mayor Mayor For 28 Years. Married For 45 Years. Worked At The Same Bank For 38 Years.